The mystery surrounding the identity of a woman known as the ‘Jeweled Mom’ has been solved decades after her murder.
Back in 1982, a real estate agent stumbled upon the remains of a woman in Loxahatchee, Florida. The cause of her death was a gunshot wound to the head, and it was classified as a homicide.
At the time, there was scant information about the victim. She was identified as a white woman, estimated to be aged between 24 and 34.
Investigators also suspected that the woman was a mother, having given birth to one or possibly two children, according to CBS.
Efforts to create a DNA profile for the victim faced challenges, leaving her identity unconfirmed for years.
Her name, ‘Jeweled Mom,’ was derived from the distinctive jewelry she wore at the time of her death.
A news release detailed the items found with her: ‘a silver handcrafted heart-shaped pinky ring, a gold mariner’s anchor necklace with a 180-degree twist, a wristwatch, a four marquis cut ring, and a diamond ring with 14K white gold setting’.
The case remained unsolved until 2021 when the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with Othram, a company specializing in forensic genetic genealogy.
Thanks to modern technology, the woman was finally identified as Leona Jean Keller, who was 37 years old when she was killed.
Othram utilized a DNA sample from a person believed to be related to Keller, leading to her identification 43 years post her demise.
Original evidence collected in the 1980s was also provided to Othram, which helped construct a more detailed DNA profile.
“Forensic evidence was submitted to Othram’s laboratory in The Woodlands, Texas where scientists successfully developed a DNA extract from the evidence,” the news release stated.
“Using Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing, a comprehensive DNA profile was built for the unknown woman. Othram’s forensic genetic genealogy team then used the profile in a genealogy search which resulted in new leads about the woman’s identity.
“These leads were provided to investigators who launched a follow-up investigation.”
This information led investigators to identify possible relatives of Keller, ultimately confirming her identity.
Keller’s case marks the 36th instance in Florida where Othram’s technology has helped officials publicly identify a previously unknown person.
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